The trade deadline came and went without a single move from the Detroit Lions—proof once again that Brad Holmes would rather build a dynasty than chase a headline.
The NFL trade deadline has come and gone, and once again, the Detroit Lions stood pat. Despite weeks of speculation and a chorus of fans calling for a splashy move, general manager Brad Holmes resisted the urge to make a deal.
For many fans, the silence was frustrating. Detroit sits among the NFC’s top contenders, and the idea of adding another impact player was tempting. But this isn’t unfamiliar territory for Holmes. The Lions’ GM has never been one to chase big names at the deadline.
Over the past few seasons, Holmes has opted for smaller, low-risk additions. Last year, he brought in pass rusher Za’Darius Smith late in the year, and the season before that, wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones. Peoples-Jones finished his Lions stint with just five catches for 58 yards. Smith had a few solid moments but ultimately failed to record a single stat in the team’s playoff loss to Washington.
Moves like those—and their limited impact—may have cooled Holmes’ appetite for trade-deadline deals. It’s possible the Lions’ GM has simply lost confidence in the trade market, preferring instead to rely on his greatest strength: the draft.
Holmes’ reputation as a draft wizard is well earned. Before taking the reins in Detroit, he spent nearly two decades with the Rams organization, starting as a scouting assistant when the team was still in St. Louis. From 2003 to 2012, he honed his eye for talent, eventually earning a promotion to director of college scouting in 2013. He held that role until 2020, when the Lions hired him as their general manager.
That’s 17 years of scouting experience—plenty of time to learn how to build through the draft. And since arriving in Detroit, Holmes has done just that. Few general managers in any sport excel at both drafting and trading, and Holmes clearly prefers the former. His philosophy seems to be: “I can draft a better player than what I could trade for with this pick.”
That mindset sometimes frustrates fans who want instant results. But in fairness, there weren’t many trades this year that looked like perfect fits for the Lions anyway. Around the league, a few headline-grabbing moves did take place. The Indianapolis Colts sent two first-round picks to the New York Jets for Detroit native Sauce Gardner. Seattle boosted its offense by adding speedster Rashid Shaheed. The Dallas Cowboys made waves by acquiring defensive tackle Quinnen Williams from the Jets, while the Philadelphia Eagles loaded up with edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and defensive backs Jaire Alexander and Michael Carter.
Despite missing a third-round pick, the Lions do own two sixth-round and two seventh-round selections in the upcoming draft. Late-round picks can occasionally fetch solid role players, but if a team truly wants to make a splash, it typically has to part with a third-rounder, or better. That’s not Holmes’ way. He’s not trying to win now; he’s trying to win forever.
Holmes’ confidence comes, in part, from his track record. He’s already locked down six of his former draft picks to long-term deals, signaling faith in his own process. His approach contrasts sharply with that of Eagles GM Howie Roseman, who recently said, “You don’t have great success without taking great risks.”
Both philosophies have merit. Roseman’s risk-taking has brought two Super Bowls to Philadelphia. Holmes’ steady, draft-centric plan has brought stability—and hope—to Detroit for years to come.
So while the Lions’ quiet deadline might have disappointed some fans, Holmes has earned the benefit of the doubt. He’s building something meant to last, and for now, his patience may be the Lions’ greatest strength.